Effect of a Transversus Abdominis Plane Block on Wound Healing, Stress, and Immune Response After a Cesarean Delivery

November 13, 2025 updated by: Mirta Ciglar, MD, University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice

Effect of a Transversus Abdominis Plane Block on Operative Wound Healing, Stress, and Immune Response After a Cesarean Delivery

The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of a TAP block to standard analgesia after the cesarean delivery will impact postoperative wound healing and attenuate postoperative stress and immune response.

Random allocation of participants in 3 groups: group SA (standard analgesia), group L (TAP block with levobupivacaine), and group D (TAP block with levobupivacaine + dexmedetomidine). All participants will undergo elective cesarean section through Pfannestiel incision under spinal anesthesia. They will receive standard postoperative pain management with acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and tramadol. Groups L and D will additionally receive bilateral ultrasound-guided TAP block with 20 ml 0,25% levobupivacaine or with 20 ml 0,25% levobupivacaine with the addition of 0,5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine. TAP block will be performed in the theatre immediately after the cesarean delivery.

Venous blood samples will be collected before the surgery and on the third postoperative day. Complete blood count and serum cortisol levels will be measured. REEDA scale will be used for assessing wound healing.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Introduction. Cesarean section is one of the world's most frequently performed surgical procedures. It is often accompanied by severe postoperative pain that leads to a complex immune and stress response in the body. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are reliable and readily available markers of immune response to various infectious and non-infectious stimuli. Elevated NLR and PLR values are predictive in the early detection of wound infection after cesarean section. Wound healing involves three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. REEDA scale is a valid tool for assessing obstetric wound healing. Many factors can affect the wound-healing process. Consistent overlap between pain-related dysregulation of neuroendocrine and immune function and the aspects of the neuroendocrine and immune function shown to be critical in wound healing suggests that pain may play a role in delayed wound healing. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that better postoperative analgesia could positively affect wound healing. According to previous research, the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block significantly reduces pain and cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels after cesarean section. The addition of dexmedetomidine to the local anesthetic in the TAP block has a more pronounced analgesic effect and prolongs the duration of analgesia. The investigators have found only one study that demonstrates that adding a TAP block to standard analgesia positively affects wound healing after cesarean delivery. In the literature search, investigators did not find any clinical study that has been carried out to see the influence of the addition of dexmedetomidine in TAP block on wound healing, stress response, and immune response after cesarean delivery.

We hypothesize that the use of bilateral transversus abdominis plane block after cesarean delivery will lead to lower values of the REEDA scale and attenuated stress and immune response of the patient compared to standard analgesia, where the addition of dexmedetomidine to levobupivacaine will have a more pronounced effect compared to TAP block with levobupivacaine.

Patients and methods: This prospective, randomized study will be conducted in the Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Management and the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in the Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center. A total of 120 participants will be included in the study.

The group size was obtained by power analysis. For each variable, the sample size required for cross-comparisons of the arithmetic means of the three groups was calculated using a two-tailed t-test with the power of the test β = 85%, and the level of statistical significance for each test, α = 1.667%. Standard deviations and expected differences in the arithmetic means of the examined groups were taken from the published literature. (2:24-26). The largest estimated sample size for the investigated variables is 35 subjects per group.

After the written and signed approval of the patients, they will be randomly allocated to either a control group that receives the standard postoperative analgesia (group SA) or groups that further receive the TAP block with levobupivacaine (group L), with and without the addition of dexmedetomidine (group D). All the participants will undergo elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. The classic cesarean section technique described by Pfannenstiel and Kerr technique will be performed on all the participants. The spinal anesthesia will be performed with an atraumatic spinal needle by applying height- and weight-adjusted dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine and 25 μg fentanyl intrathecally. All the participants will receive standard postoperative analgesia according to the Acute Pain Service Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center (acetaminophen, tramadol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Group L and group D will additionally receive a bilateral TAP block. 20 ml of 0,25 % levobupivacaine will be administered on each side to the participants in group L and 20 ml of 0,25 % levobupivacaine with the addition of 0,5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine will be administered on each side to the participants in group D. TAP block will be performed under sterile conditions. The high-frequency linear probe will be placed transversally in the medial axillary line, and the three layers of abdominal muscles will be visualized. A 22G echogenic needle for peripheral nerve blocks will be used to inject the mixed solution in the plane between the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles.

Venous blood samples will be collected the day before the surgery, at 7 a.m. on the day of surgery, and at 7 a.m. on the third postoperative day. Complete blood count and serum cortisol levels will be measured. An independent observer will assess wound healing using the standardized Redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, and approximation (REEDA) scale 72 hours after the cesarean delivery.

Statistical analysis: The collected data for each variable will be summarized and analyzed depending on the normality of the distribution, which will be tested with the Shapiro-Wilk test. In the case of a normal distribution, the measured values will be summarized by the arithmetic mean and standard deviation. The effects of the treatment will be tested with a mixed model in which the measured value will be the dependent variable. In case of deviation from the normal distribution, the measured values will be summarized by the meridian and the first and third quartiles. Before the analysis with the mixed model they will be transformed by the inverse transformation of the ranks into the standard normal function. The calculated p-values will be considered statistically significant if they are less than 5%.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

105

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Croatia
      • Zagreb, Croatia, 10000
        • University Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients scheduled for the elective cesarean section through Pfannenstiel incision under spinal anesthesia
  • Age >18
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II
  • Body mass index < 40 mg/kg²
  • >35 gestational weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

  • participant's refusal to participate in the study
  • ASA physical status >II
  • emergency cesarean section
  • twin or triplets pregnancy
  • history of allergy to the local anesthetic or any other drug used in this study (dexmedetomidine, acetaminophen, tramadol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • contraindications for spinal anesthesia or TAP block

Drop out from the study:

  • the change in anesthetic technique from spinal to the general anesthesia
  • the need for the blood transfusion
  • acute mastitis, puerperal endometritis, and/or wound infection developed in the first 72 hours postoperatively
  • failed TAP block

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Group SA
No TAP block applied.
Drug: Postoperative pain management with acetaminophen
During the 24 hours postoperatively, participants will receive 1 g acetaminophen intravenously (i.v.) three times a day. On the second and third postoperative days, participants will receive 1g acetaminophen per os three times a day.
Drug: Postoperative pain management with tramadol
During the 24 hours postoperatively, participants will receive 500 mg tramadol + 500 ml 0,9% NaCl i.v. continuously 30ml/h.
Drug: Postoperative pain management with ketoprofen
During the 24 hours postoperatively, participants will receive 100 mg ketoprofen + 100 ml of 0,9% NaCl i.v. twice a day. The first dose will be administered in the theatre at the end of the surgical procedure.
Drug: Postoperative pain management with ibuprofen
On the second and third postoperative days, participants will receive 600 mg ibuprofen per os three times a day.
Experimental: Group L
Ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block (in-plane technique) will be performed in this group. Levobupivacaine 0.25 % 20 ml will be administered in the block on each side.
Drug: Postoperative pain management with acetaminophen
During the 24 hours postoperatively, participants will receive 1 g acetaminophen intravenously (i.v.) three times a day. On the second and third postoperative days, participants will receive 1g acetaminophen per os three times a day.
Drug: Postoperative pain management with tramadol
During the 24 hours postoperatively, participants will receive 500 mg tramadol + 500 ml 0,9% NaCl i.v. continuously 30ml/h.
Drug: Postoperative pain management with ketoprofen
During the 24 hours postoperatively, participants will receive 100 mg ketoprofen + 100 ml of 0,9% NaCl i.v. twice a day. The first dose will be administered in the theatre at the end of the surgical procedure.
Drug: Postoperative pain management with ibuprofen
On the second and third postoperative days, participants will receive 600 mg ibuprofen per os three times a day.
Procedure: Bilateral TAP Block with levobupivacaine
Ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block will be performed, and 20 ml of 0,25 % levobupivacaine will be administered to the participant on each side.
Experimental: Group D
Ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block (in-plane technique) will be performed in this group. Levobupivacaine 0.25 % 20 ml + dexmedetomidine 0,5 μg/kg will be administered in the block on each side.
Drug: Postoperative pain management with acetaminophen
During the 24 hours postoperatively, participants will receive 1 g acetaminophen intravenously (i.v.) three times a day. On the second and third postoperative days, participants will receive 1g acetaminophen per os three times a day.
Drug: Postoperative pain management with tramadol
During the 24 hours postoperatively, participants will receive 500 mg tramadol + 500 ml 0,9% NaCl i.v. continuously 30ml/h.
Drug: Postoperative pain management with ketoprofen
During the 24 hours postoperatively, participants will receive 100 mg ketoprofen + 100 ml of 0,9% NaCl i.v. twice a day. The first dose will be administered in the theatre at the end of the surgical procedure.
Drug: Postoperative pain management with ibuprofen
On the second and third postoperative days, participants will receive 600 mg ibuprofen per os three times a day.
Procedure: Bilateral TAP Block with levobupivacaine and dexmedetomidine
Ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block will be performed, and 20 ml of 0,25 % levobupivacaine with the addition of 0,5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine will be administered to the participant on each side.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Wound healing
Time Frame: 72 hours after the surgery
Wound healing will be assessed 72 hours after cesarean delivery using a standardized REEDA scale. REEDA includes five factors associated with the healing of an incision: redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, and approximation of the two edges of the wound, each receiving a score between 0-3, with a higher score indicating a greater level of tissue trauma and less healed wound compared to lower scores.
72 hours after the surgery
Measure the stress response (serum cortisol)
Time Frame: up to 72 hours
Venous blood samples will be collected at 7 a.m. on the day of surgery and at 7 a.m. on the 3rd postoperative day. Serum cortisol levels will be measured by using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA).
up to 72 hours
Measure immune response (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio)
Time Frame: up to 72 hours
The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio will be calculated as a simple ratio between absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts measured in peripheral blood. Venous blood samples will be collected the day before the surgery at the admission and at 7 a.m. on the third postoperative day.
up to 72 hours
Measure immune response (platelet to lymphocyte ratio)
Time Frame: up to 72 hours
The platelet to lymphocyte ratio will be calculated as a simple ratio between absolute platelet and lymphocyte counts measured in peripheral blood. Venous blood samples will be collected the day before the surgery at the admission and at 7 a.m. on the third postoperative day.
up to 72 hours

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Postoperative pain score
Time Frame: 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 72 hours after surgery
A Numeric Rating Scale will measure pain at rest and on movement. The numeric Rating Scale will be from 0 to 10, where 0 is no pain, and 10 is the most severe pain. Pain will be assessed for each participant at 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 72 hours after surgery.
4, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 72 hours after surgery
Quality of recovery
Time Frame: 24 hours after the surgery
The quality of recovery will be measured by the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 (ObsQoR-10©) Scoring Tool 24 hours after the surgery. ObsQoR-10© is a 10-item, participant-reported scoring tool that assesses postpartum recovery. It consists of 2 parts. In the first part, the subject self-evaluates the intensity of the four listed symptoms on a vertical visual-analog scale. The end points are marked with 0 - no symptoms and 10 - the worst possible intensity of symptoms. The second part consists of 6 questions assessing recovery in the last 24 hours, which the respondent also evaluates with a vertical visual-analog scale where the end points are marked with 0 - never and 10 - always. Possible scores range from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating better postpartum recovery.
24 hours after the surgery

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Mirta Ciglar, MD, University Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

September 3, 2024

Primary Completion (Actual)

March 17, 2025

Study Completion (Actual)

March 20, 2025

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

April 14, 2023

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 28, 2023

First Posted (Actual)

May 3, 2023

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

November 17, 2025

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

November 13, 2025

Last Verified

March 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 003-06/22-03/007

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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